In November, we held our first customer conference, which was a great success. We wanted to bring together customers, Karbon colleagues and partners to talk about our approach to customer service, how we spend our money and what’s happening in the housing world. Over 130 customers attended and took part in discussions, a fun quiz, a game of budget bingo and browsed stalls. Most importantly, it allowed us to hear from our customers about what they would like to see us prioritise going forward.

In November, we saw eight vibrant, street art murals unveiled in Byker, portraying what the area means to the local community. We partnered with ELEMENTS street art festival on the project, which saw artwork co-created with young people living on the estate. The artwork really displays what a community-focused and proud place Byker is. The murals are part of an exciting wider art project celebrating the historic and diverse estate and its people – I’m looking forward to seeing the finished project.

On behalf of everyone at Karbon Homes Group, I’d like to send our very best wishes to Isabel - one of our customers at Kilbourn House in Kenton, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Our colleagues at the retirement living scheme, where Isabel has lived for almost a decade, organised a party to celebrate with friends and family. 

Finally, I’d like to wish Charlotte Carpenter - our Executive Director Growth and Business Development - all the best as she moves on to a new role at the North East Combined Authority. Charlotte has delivered for the social housing sector for 15 years and has been with Karbon since 2017. She has a real passion for the people and places of the North East and I wish her all the best in her new post as NECA’s Director of Skills, Inclusion and Public Sector Reform.

In this edition of Karbon Life, you can read about our new Executive Director appointment, the team working hard to maximise customers’ employment potential, as well as our latest development taking shape in North Yorkshire.